Six years ago, my then 13 year-old daughter was struggling in every way: at school, with friends and even more so with us, her parents. Our relationship seemed to change overnight: she withdrew, becoming anxious, angry and depressed.

I know what it is like not to recognize your own child—and to hate how you are treating this virtual stranger in your home.

After a year and a half of attempts to ease the crisis at home, my daughter left for wilderness, followed by residential treatment in Utah. Every parent I know who faces the decision to send his or her child to an out-of-home placement suffers—and we were no different.

Parent coaching during my daughter’s absence and eventual transition home gave me the extra support I needed. When I did not know the right words to reach my daughter coaching helped me gain confidence in my parenting and allowed me to relax and experience joy in my family life again. 

As a parent coach I love providing guidance and affirming support to other parents. Watching my clients’ stress levels go down as they reconnect and deepen their relationship with their child is a profoundly moving experience.